LUKA MODRIC’S agent has confirmed the Real Madrid star is likely to play in Italy “sooner or later”.

Modric has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid over the past few weeks, with Inter Milan the most likely destination.

The 32-year-old, who reached the World Cup final with Croatia earlier this summer, could leave the Bernabeu next year for a transfer fee or Los Blancos risk losing him for free when his contract runs out in 2020.

Recent reports have suggested that while Inter have been trying their best to clinch a deal, it is thought that he has signed a new deal with Real.

However, the midfielder’s agent, Marko Naletilic, believes it is only a matter of time before Modric makes the switch to Inter.

“For whatever reason, Modric wants to be a star in Serie A with Inter,” Naletilic said.

“Let's see. I believe that sooner or later Luka will play in Italy.

“Like a lot of Croatians his age, he grew up watching Italian football.”

Naletilic also revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo has also played a role in convincing Modric that he should head to Serie A, adding: “The fact Inter Milan tried to sign him and Modric took it into consideration shows the influence Cristiano Ronaldo is already having on Italian football.”

Julen Lopetegui would loathe to lose Luka Modric (Image: GETTY)

Cristiano Ronaldo could persuade Luka Modric to head to the Serie A (Image: GETTY)

As things stand, only Gareth Bale is paid more than Modric and his contract supposedly sees him pocket around £350,000-a-week after tax.